Lead and Lift

In rate analysis and measurement, 'lead' is the horizontal distance over which excavated earth or materials are transported from the point of work to the point of deposition/use, and 'lift' is the vertical height through which they are raised (or the depth from which earthwork is taken). Standard schedule-of-rates items include a basic lead and lift (e.g. earthwork within an initial 30 m lead and the first lift); beyond that, extra payment is made for additional lead (per 50 m or per km slab) and additional lift (per 1.5 m stage) as separately measured items.

Correctly capturing lead and lift is a frequent source of billing disputes and cost over/under-runs in earthwork, especially on sites with long haul roads, deep basements or hill terrain. It is measured and paid per the rules of the applicable IS 1200 part and the relevant CPWD/state schedule of rates, and must be supported by M-Book records.